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Pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse and gallstones are the two most
common causes of an inflammation of the pancreas. So keep alcoholic
drinks to a minimum and see user's manual
gall bladder.
Diabetes
15.7% of Americans have some form of diabetes.
It is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. and is the #1 cause
of blindness between ages 20 to 70. In those with diabetes, there
is a problem with the production or function of the pancreatic hormone
known as insulin.
As a result the patient's body is unable
to control blood glucose levels. A person suffering from diabetes
must therefore control the blood glucose level by closely watching
their diet, and taking insulin or other drugs if necessary. Low
levels of blood glucose require the body to break down stored fat
for fuel. This releases toxins such as ketones, which cause the
body to become highly acidic, causing symptoms such as nausea, difficulty
breathing, sweet breath, confusion and coma. On the other hand,
if the blood glucose level is too high, the blood will thicken,
producing symptoms such as confusion, fatigue and coma. If left
uncontrolled, either one of these conditions can lead to heart disease,
kidney disease, edema (abnormally large amounts of fluid in the
intercellular tissue spaces of the body), nerve damage and infections
of the mouth, gums, lungs, skin, feet, bladder and genitals. If
you experience the above symptoms, tell your physician.
Type 1 insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus
This less frequent form of diabetes (existing in 5-10% of diabetes
patients) usually starts at an early age. It's an auto-immune
disease, causing the immune system to attack and destroy the insulin-producing
cells in the pancreas. This condition can possibly result from an
immune response after a viral infection.
Type 2 non-insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus
In this most common form of diabetes (existing in 90 to 95% of cases)
the pancreas produces a supply of insulin too small to support the
energy requirements of the body's cells. The body might even
become resistant to the small amount of insulin available. Latinos,
American Indians, Asian Americans and Black Americans are more likely
to develop type 2 diabetes than whites. The number of Black Americans
with this disease has tripled over the last 30 years.
Gestational diabetes
This is a form existing in 4% of pregnant women. The hormones existing
during pregnancy increase the body's resistance to insulin.
This usually ends after delivery but leaves a woman at a higher
risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.
Impaired glucose tolerance
A condition in 11% of Americans, in which blood glucose levels are
above normal, but not yet at diabetic levels. This condition also
puts a person at higher risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.
To reduce your chances of
acquiring diabetes, keep your weight at a normal level. Obesity
puts you at much higher risk for developing diabetes as it can increase
your resistance to insulin.
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